Saying it’s a first of its kind in BC history the government has announced a Rural Advisory Council will be formed.
Community leaders have long called for decisions made in Victoria to be viewed with an eye on what rural BC needs – especially given the resource wealth it generates.
Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development Donna Barnett tells us the council will advise on things like how communities can invest in venture capital for local industry or business start-ups.
Barnett adds a rural dividend is also in the works but it’s too early to say how government will pay that.